BORN TO RUN Debate: Author vs. Podiatrist

A podiatrist, urban caveman, professor of evolutionary biology, world record setting masters runner, and author Chris McDougall weigh in on BORN TO RUN and the barefoot running debate.
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Dr. Michael Perlstein is a podiatrist who owns his own medical practice and goes by the name of Brooklyn Foot Doc. To learn more about him, visit his website: www.brooklynfootdoc.com/
John Durant has been taking a paleo approach to health for the past several years. He is a founder of Barefoot Runners NYC and writes about being an urban caveman on his own blog: www.hunter-gatherer.com/
Dr. Daniel Lieberman is a professor of evolutionary biology at Harvard University. Not only is he interviewed in the book, his studies greatly contribute to the idea that humans are born to run.
Kathy Martin is a real estate agent who, in her 40s, discovered a gift for running. She has set nine American and two world records in her age group.
Chris McDougall is a journalist and author best known for his book, BORN TO RUN. To learn more about him, his book and the barefoot running debate, visit www.chrismcdougall.com
The photos used in this episode were taken by Luis Escobar. To learn more about him and his work, visit either of the two websites:
www.allwedoisrun.com
www.reflectionsphotographystud...
The views expressed in this video only represent those of the participants. They do not necessarily represent the views or endorsement of @radical.media LLC or any other party involved in the production and distribution of THNKR.

[@robertleo3561]

Bro my friend had flat feet all his life, I got him to start walking outside barefoot, and he did that for a while. He also stopped wearing his insoles. Then he started to run with me in minimalist shoes, and now he has an arch. It's not all the way there, but it has drastically improved. He never got an injury, and is completely pain-free. He does boxing, and before he started building his feet, he couldn't box barefoot or without his insoles without a lot of pain. Now he can. He runs in vibram five fingers now all the time. The flat-footed dude in the video was not wrong when he said he couldn't just go out and run barefoot. But he probably would be able to if he strengthened his feet for a few months.

[@Demon09-_-]

this is an old comment but its so ture. There may be a few people out there that have flat foot issues caused by tendon dissease or other skeletal muscle problems that switching may not work. But a majority of our"flat foot" including my self earlier in life are caused by our darn shoes.. I went from a "fallen arch" what most of the worlds flat foot was to a healthy usable arch after moving to barefoot. There is an adjustment period and one should not just instantly run barefoot or even minimalist shoes if you have previous injury or weakness in the muscles. The main argument foot docs have over barefoot shoes is you get hurt transistioning to them... when in realility the only reason we get hurt doing that is the garbage modern foot wear we have had to deal with. I have seen more docs start to wise up and do Rehab foot work and recomend altra brand shoes. Altra are not quite minimalist but they remove support and are zero drop with a good toe box.

[@lukespooner7796]

Same happened to me, flat footed, always got running injuries, then went barefoot, it’s been about 9 months and I’ve ran further than I ever have injury free and have developed a small arch

[@Estebanmdp100]

Frfr

[@Estebanmdp100]

Muay thai barefoot changed my life lmao

[@purpleanex]

That was not a debate.

[@godsadog]

+purpleanex I suppose because none is needed. I am a marathon forefoot runner. I am one of the rare runnes who doesnt get injured...because I dont need heels.

[@drich431]

+godsadog who needs heels anyway

[@Nartakh]

+Bijar J Indeed, totally overrated

[@Tomasmoravia]

Good for standing tho...

[@stevesewall]

Hold it, there IS a debate. Begins at 4:55, with a podiatrist heel-to-toe weighing in, though be does back off.

[@homosapien7217]

Everyone is talking about shoes. But what about pants? Surely running without pants is the next logical and natural step.

[@plank3000]

I fear change, I will keep wearing my shrubs

[@oldDNU]

I moved to Southern California specifically so I no longer have to wear pants.

[@garymanning8920]

Homo Sapien i never wear pants...i do like donald duck blue vest blue hat...its vert comfortabl

[@Arthur-mk2vq]

Or running with big bird feathers because it makes you more aerodynamic when you swing your arms

[@octemberfury]

Next, we will be running without a body, running as a disembodied soul is very low impact and efficient.

[@zorbathegreek841]

Enjoyable video but false advertising: not much of an actual "debate" at all...I was hoping for McDougall to go face to face against some of his critics.

[@toomuch9762]

Zorba the Greek born to run or not, we are not born to wear shoes. There is no debate. And this “lousy feet” isn’t an argument because most cases stem from wearing shoes weakening foot muscles and giving them flat feet

[@alecwithac69]

@@toomuch9762 totally agree. I have very wide flat feet, had knee and lower back pain for years. That's mostly gone. Just having to walk and run as nature intended.

[@one4320]

If the critics are like this podiatrist it's no wonder there's no debate - this guy's incapable of objectivity.

[@thehousespouse]

I don’t know if It was the way it was edited or not, but the fact that a podiatrist is recommending shoes instead of exercises to correct a flat foot seems really strange to me. I would hope at the very least he would be recommending both if not more leaning towards the exercises, because otherwise that’s really scary for podiatry.

[@zorbathegreek841]

@@thehousespouse - podiatry can be a useful band-aid for sedentary folks, but for runners who don't have any physical anomalies I consider it to be pure snake oil. All they do is prescribe (horrendously overpriced) orthotics and/or specialized overbuilt shoes at the drop of a hat.

[@robmorrill1]

Been running since I was 14. Am now 44. Only been injury-free since I gave up shoes 2.5 years ago. Your foot DOES need support, but the best support you can give is muscle strength in your feet. I spent a year wearing Sanuk shoes, which have very little support. I then decided to start running again because we got a young dog who needed it. Because I already had strong feet from wearing minimalist shoes, I was able to transition to barefooting. Bottom line: get your achilles stretched and feet strong, then start running. People get into trouble when they go from 1 cm+ drop work shoes to minimalist shoes for running. The achilles is tight and the many muscles of the foot are weak. Of course you're going to get injured. Prepare by going zero drop for a couple months first. I believe we ARE meant to walk and run in little to no shoes, but years of Nikes have weakened our feet. Get strong, then get going.

[@cherylzepp6097]

Interesting video. I appreciate the challenge to our firmly held perspective

[@cherylzepp6097]

Challenges belief that running barefoot is "wrong. Interesting comment that no known studies showing shoes reduce injury.

[@williamdowling7718]

The exact same thing can be said about running in shoes. If you try try to do too much too fast while wearing shoes, you will get injured. This is such a stupid debate because ultimately it doesn't come down to whether shoes or no shoes is better. It just comes down to form. If you run with good form, you will stay healthy. The author is essentially saying that shoes will actively injure you regardless of how your form is. That's just laughably untrue. Bad form with support from shoes is bad. Bad form without support from shoes is bad. Good form without support from shoes is good. Good form with support from shoes is great.

[@batearedfoxx]

Truth! 🙏

[@kijinseija727]

Tldr: you have bitch feet from using shoes, so get less bitch feet by not using shoes as much

[@kirkey99]

Me too. I had shin splints all my life from running. Been running barefoot for nearly a year - no splints, no knee pain, no complaints. Feels awesome

[@cheery-hex]

even the tribe they mention takes old tires and other materials to cover the bottom of their feet when they run (more often than not). I'm not against running without shoes, but I do think minimalist shoes are a good compromise.

[@daxtriikz3717]

I think the idea is more that we don't need super thick squishy shoes like nike's that distort our foot mechanics, not that we have impervious skin.

[@severusschwarz8245]

lose weight

[@juicyclaws]

indigenous ppl have been wearing sandals for a very long time. Leather sandals are the oldest shoes, and the only shoes that have been around for probably tens of thousands of years. These type of shoes are obviously not thick and have the same thickness across the whole foot, and just acts as an extra skin layer, so that you can walk and run on rough and cold terrain. Yeah humans north of the equator have worn leather shoes for the longest time, but not triangular shaped sole nikes.

[@peterfields2179]

You don't need to take your shoes off to run with proper form. The issue is that having cushioned shoes makes the improper form more enticing. It's like sitting down. We could sit with better posture and there would be less of a problem, but the chair lets you slouch and relax much easier which leads to posture problems.

[@q3itachyon209]

racing flats are better than minimalist shoes, hands down

[@johnfrancis6660]

I've been running barefoot/forefoot since '03. My arches dropped and feet went flat while I was in the Army. Barefoot running saved my knees and ankles.

[@daivd333woso]

we are born to run, but not on concrete

[@roelofvanantwerp1825]

such view of limitation....shame

[@puntco]

I found these sandals called Xero shoes. They say they feel like you are walking barefoot, but have the protection from the ground you're running on. Maybe it's something for you to check out?

[@colinhegarty3394]

I ran 2 miles once on dirt with a heel to toe strike and went home with horrible knee and shin pain. Yesterday I ran 3 miles in vibram shoes using a forefoot strike totally on pavement and went home with zero pain. It's not about the surface, it's the strike.

[@calebfail2116]

I actually have a pair that ive had for about a year or two and I love them.

[@RAHGOTS]

Ever heard of ROCKS?

[@bornwithawoodenleg]

"Urban Caveman"... aaand I'm outta here.

[@johnkk7863]

yep i agree what an absolute tosser!

[@hansnielsen6280]

“Urban Delusional Hipster” 😆

[@OneironauticalOne]

I had the same reaction. Nowadays you don't even need snake oil to sell just dumb ideas.

[@Subtlenimbus]

They grow soy in caves?

[@stefanwolf8558]

Some millennial hipster BS

[@StefanGriffinMusic]

As much as I absolutely agree with Mr. Mcdougall, this video title is misleading; this isn't a debate. This is an obviously biased video; false advertising at its finest.

[@motorbikeray]

(5:16) Translating what the podiatrist said, "If people switched to minimalist shoes and slowly strengthened their feet naturally, then I'd be out of a job".

[@Ensource]

its not hard to find comments saying otherwise, so this is not a solid argument

[@motorbikeray]

@@Ensource I agree with you that your argument is not solid.

[@jamiequam9742]

Yes, It does happen that way. Like any muscle, you have to start small and work up. I have FLAAAAAT feet. My arches were totally broken down. After running barefoot/minimalist, I've built the muscles in my arches up again and increased the strength of my bones and tendons----My flat feet don't bother me when I run anymore and I can run farther and faster than ever before.... My 2¢....

[@michaelhutchinson5462]

Its just common sense really. Running on grass or the beach, the ground is the shock-absorber. Running on concrete, the shoes are the shock-absorbers, but make sure you run the same way as barefoot. Trail running, learn the trail conditions and protect yourself accordingly, rocks/sticks/glass/thorns will stab you if not protected, which is not more efficient.

[@Arthur_CNW]

I personally don't have any issues running barefoot on asphalt. Your entire body works differently, in order to absorb the shock. For me, the only difference in any kind of discomfort with barefoot vs shoes, is that I have more aches after running in shoes. Running in shoes just doesn't let your toes and bones spread out the right way (unless it's something like Vibram fivefingers, which I use). The mobility of your entire foot is quite restricted in regular sneakers, making it hard to do a proper toe/ball of the foot landing - and because your foot doesn't get to spread as it should, that kind of running in shoes is much more damaging than opting to just go barefoot. Also, you start trusting the shoe to take the impact, instead of letting your body do the job.. so without necessarily even noticing it for many years, your foot, knees and back are taking a lot of shock which will come to haunt you later. Whenever I for some reason or another need to run in regular shoes, my body feels heavy and doesn't have the spring to it that it does when going barefoot or with Vibrams. It's more like thunk thunk thunk thunk - while the other way, it's like boing boing boing, skippedyskipskip boing. No aches, much better balance and overall control of bodymechanics and breathing. Don't get tired nearly as quickly.

[@spit-fire]

Even running on a beach bare foot will give you crazy blisters, assuming is damp sand. If it’s dry sand you are going to seriously burn the bottoms of your feet

[@damianhz1135]

michael scott meme "thank you"

[@adriangodoy4610]

everyone keepr talking about this glas shard that are all around, but I'm yet to find one running.

[@HexenStar]

@@spit-fire Exactly! And we're not even touching the subject of agility sprints. Such as the ones where you switch direction. Imagine doing 5/10/15/25 yard shuttle dashes, full speed, as a relay race. By the end of the exercise, half of the feet will be smeared on asphalt.

[@ThapeloMKT]

"the body is smart" - Dr. John Bergman And the thing about hard concrete, a lot of the ground in my part of South Africa is pretty hard, a lot of it barely has any loss, mostly dry mud.

[@oscarpersson734]

Did my first barefoot race this year. 10 K (6,2 miles) in 51 min 31 sec. I love this book. Aiming for marathon next year. I would say that the book is more about forefoot running than barefoot running. You can wear thin shoes or sandals. Or go barefoot if you want to.

[@jonahsvendsen7461]

Big difference between grassy plains and paved concrete roads.

[@helstromh]

+Jonah Svendsen - Those tribes McDougall refers to runs on hard mountain paths, packed dirt, and grass. Grass is actually a bad place to start, if you are thinking about barefoot running. Grass provides a few obstacles due to limited visibility such as: shifts in the soil that could twist your ankles, items that can puncture your foot, and your gait will not adjust correctly due to the "soft" drop. Humans did not chase animals over "grass"... they chased them through fields, over riverbeds, through forests, over roots, across rock formations, etc. Grass, as we know it today, did not exsist that long ago. We have manicured the heck out of nature to provide clean cut greenery. Asphalt is suprisingly soft and concrete a bit more forgiving than rocks, which can be hidden in your grassy plains.

[@jonahsvendsen7461]

DupreLives2Play Thats really interesting, thank you for that insight

[@joemadre9550]

I run in the canyons and across sharp talus barefoot. Sometimes I hit glass and thorns but always feel them before putting on full weight and rolling over it. Concrete is the worst thing I've ever run on, by far.

[@betaomega04]

Glass and specks of metal are certainly obstacles you need to watch out for, but running barefoot on concrete running trails has actually been quite pleasant.

[@trequor]

DupreLives2Play ... of course with asphalt you've also got the scorching heat to worry about

[@TechOutAdam]

Being flat footed my feet always felt squished at the toes, my knees don't do well with more cushion. Arch support? My like arch torture. I've tried "barefoot" shoes and man what a game changer. I'm excited to try more.

[@BKOBatista]

As a proof, maybe: I have really flat feet and growing up i was always barefoot (house or chilling) of using indoor soccer shoes (flat sole) when outdoors. With time I just plain stated running with on the tip of my foot to alleviate the impact and pain created by my genetic disadvantage, still have shit stamina but at least less pain. Everybody made fun of me for the way i run and myself never really figure out how to run like most people do. But an advantage that I notice I had was my acceleration and muscular explosiveness, felt specially in playing indoor soccer as a striker (attacker), and this video could really be into something.

[@majinperez6993]

Lol I have flat feet. Read this book 6 years ago. Been running ever since. I've run my way through sar school in the navy, a 24 hour run, countless miles almost daily for the longest time. My feet have even developed a slight arch. I've run barefoot, and with vibram fivefingers. Now I run using new balance minimus shoes just cause stepping on rocks sucks. Hah

[@tegamingother]

Why do people.call them minimalist shoes? I just call them shoes or thin shoes.

[@qpae123]

Not the shoes are making you a slow runner but the pants ! :)) Remove the pants, and you see how fast you will run! Pantsless running = 1.No air drag.2 You can evacuate gases at high speed , means extra force 3. If your a man you can equilibrate at high speeds just by moving'' your tail'' like a cheetah :)) and so on, and so on.Pants are the worse thing 4 running ! :))

[@littlecop1987]

According to this theory, men should shave their legs and keep their legs smooth.

[@BuggatiWeryon]

qpae123 I wear sport trousers in the autumn and winter conditions,in spring and summer I use shorts

[@qpae123]

Cheng Guo I am not Yeti...

[@kentrel2]

d

[@qpae123]

kentrel2 Told you ! XD

[@BraveLoch32]

I did not have time to read all of the hundreds of comments here. I do, however, want to throw in a few facts for the debate. First fact: Bones change in every living human from month to year. Fact 2: In about seven years nearly every bone in your body will be composed of new material if you are healthy. Fact 3: Bones "strengthen" in fascinating ways according to the stresses put upon them and do seem to be designed to be pounded which causes this strengthening. Fact 4: The less axial stress a bone recieves the less dense (and thus weak) it will be. Given the above facts, I should have know that when I tried running in Vibrams I should have taken about 5 years to approach the mileage I was doing running in "soft un-natural" shoes. Instead I failed to apply these facts and stress fractured my foot (a sure sign of not allowing the bone sufficient time to strengthen). My wife also stress-fracture her distal tibia. I also, however, noted that my usual knee and ankle pain from my previous soft un-natural shoes was gone prior to the time of my stress-fractures. I did not stop the minimalist shoe running because of the improved gait, and instead rested my stress fractures until they healed and then resumed running very short distances only increasing that distance after several months. I have no problems running 8 miles now in minimalist shoes. I also recommend during this "restoration to proper foot condition," that runners make sure they are keeping the joints of the foot very flexible with manual manipulation if necessary. Pinching of capsular tissue between the bones/joints of the feet is common and is often mistaken for other foot problems and fixation of the joint (through compression and thus loss of synovial fluid tension between the cartilage surfaces) can be the cause of many foot problems (e.g. metatarsalgia and plantar fascitis). Update: 09/2018-- I recently completed my first marathon, using the gradual bone-build-up idea described above. I was wearing Xero Prios and hand very little foot pain, and no other joint pain at all. (I did, however, suffer from muscle overload fatigue cramps after mile 21 which stopped me from running, and forced me to walk the last 3 miles).

[@kptxFFMP]

Fact, bears eat beets. Bears, beets, "Battlestar Galactica."

[@huskiehuskerson5300]

6.5 years now.

[@jdoexrayvision]

That's a long rant to end up saying that you still wear shoes. You're not in the same camp as the delusional "skin to ground or nothing" folks.

[@FreeRadicalslifestyle]

Hey Christopher, I am so glad you mentioned Morton's toe as an issue for Vibrams It was the direct cause of the impact fracture of my toe that took me 2 years to get over. I have been a natural form runner for many years and the only injury I have had was from the minimalist footwear Vibrams. The only Minimalist footwear I use now is The Unshoes brand ( excellent ) and huarache style sandals. I agree that Merrell make a good unit in the trail glove, light, comfortable. zero heel lift.

[@johncassvision1]

Absolutely true. Am 51. Started barefoot running four years ago quite incidentally, before I knew it was a 'thing'. Hadn't run since I was 12. Now doing 10-12 km 5 times per week for two years. Some super important lessons. Avoid roads and concrete surfaces. They will injure you. In my early days, I didn't realise this and sought professional medical help. Was told: 'you must wear shoes'. I complied for six months and suffered severe ankle and foot injuries. Took a year to recover. Now, I only ever go barefoot. No injuries whatsoever. Changed my life, physically and spiritually. Dramatic improvements in posture, weight, core and lower body strength. Take it slowly. Your calves will take months to adapt. Stay with it and pay attention to your forefoot technique. High cadence is best.

[@onefoot7]

We're not Born to Run, we are born to sit on the couch, complain and eat chips!

[@Shawny3051]

idiot lol

[@robm321]

Nicely done.

[@Denmire]

Shawny3051 sarcasm... r/wooosh?

[@leeaymi]

Actually a couch is unhealthy. We have to sit on hard rocks, it's better for our ass anathomy.

[@christophergeier9929]

Correction: You

[@silasderfel8929]

I used to have flat feet. I started out in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS as a freshmen in high school, and over the years I have transitioned first into the Saucony Guides, and now the Kinvaras, and I have to say, the less shoe I wear, the stronger my arches get, and the faster I get. It's a very slow process, but if you take the time to really try, you can wear more and more minimalist shoes, and even if you have flat feet, that can change. But you have to be willing to take the time to do so, and you have to do so carefully.

[@Jonwes11]

It's funny how the podiatrist completely dismisses barefoot running for himself, even though he never even tried it.

[@Grim_Beard]

+Jonwes11 It's funny how the podiatrist, i.e. the only person in the video who knows what he's talking about, dismisses barefoot running, because he has knowledge of foot anatomical structure and function and has studied the medical literature on injuries to, and pathologies of, the foot. There, fixed it for you.

[@Jonwes11]

+Grimbeard Lol, nice try. How much research do you think this guy has done on barefoot/minimalist running, compared to running in shoes? I'd guess extremely little, given how he describes himself in the video. Why he's even in the video I don't know (as opposed to finding a podiatrist who has actually studied barefoot running in depth, in addition to running in shoes). The idea is pretty damn simple, and I don't think I've heard a single valid argument against it yet: barefoot running forces you to run more flat/forward footed, because landing on your bare heel HURTS. Man's solution to this problem is to pad the heels (usually pretty extensively). Why not instead rely on your calf muscles to absorb the shock, instead of padding which not only wears down over time, but also changes your natural gait? Even before barefoot running became popular, what was the most popular complaint heard about running long term? "It's hard on your joints." Clearly, this podiatrist doesn't know ENOUGH about the human foot if he can't solve this problem. You talk as if simply having the knowledge of a podiatrist will give you the answer to running in the healthiest way possible, which isn't even close to the truth. Too many people try out barefoot running thinking it's the cure-all solution, and injure themselves in the process. Just like any other activity that involves using different muscles in an extremely different way, you need to take it slowly. It seems to be an indication that most injuries from barefoot running seem to be when starting out and most injuries from shoe running seem to be after doing it for a long time. As far as research is concerned, there isn't nearly enough research out there on barefoot running to make a solid comparison. Why? Because too many people still think it's a crazy and outlandish idea, even though many humans have been doing it since the beginning of our time. I'd love to see a long term study comparing trained and seasoned shoe-runners to trained and seasoned barefoot runners. (My money is on the barefoot runners, if you can't already tell). Thankfully more and more doctors are realizing that this isn't just a fad, which means that the research will be available, eventually.

[@Grim_Beard]

"I'd love to see a long term study comparing trained and seasoned shoe-runners to trained and seasoned barefoot runners." Yes, I'd certainly be in favour of proper research into this - ideally not 'research' as in the guy with a book to sell asking people who've already bought his book to give testimonials. Those are anecdotes, not data. In this video, that's all we have. Obviously this is something that's not conducive to double-blind testing, as people will know whether they're wearing shoes or not. However, a single-blind design where the podiatrist assessing their foot health doesn't know whether the person is a barefoot or shod runner would be feasible. Diary studies of injury type and frequency (before and after taking up, and stopping, barefoot running in a fully-crossed design) would also be a feasible method. Post hoc self reports are notoriously unreliable, so someone saying 'I definitely get fewer / more injuries than I used to' cannot be relied upon - it's no better than testimonials. It would therefore need to be a prospective study. Here's an example of the type of study you'd need to do. Take a group of (shod) runners, match them into pairs for age, sex, fitness, frequency of running, and any other potential confounding variable. Have them all keep a daily diary of injuries (including listing 'none' for no injuries). One member of each pair keeps on shod running, the other member starts barefoot running. Collect data for enough time for any initial adaptation effects (e.g. more injuries in the barefoot group just from changing what they're doing or, as you say, taking some time to get used to the technique) to even out. Do the same with a second group of barefoot runners, except in this group one member of each pair keeps barefoot running and the other switches to running in shoes for the duration of the study. Test for any statistically significant differences in the injury rates between the participants (using an appropriate test for the 2x2 design). Personally, unlike you, I wouldn't be prepared to nail my colours to the mast at this stage. I would expect barefoot runners to get more injuries overall, as the study would pick up things like injuries from sharp objects stepped on whilst running barefoot. However, once those were accounted for (which would be easily done), you'd then have an idea as to whether strain injuries differed between the two types of running. I think it could go either way - and there might be co-variates in there too. For instance, the podiatrist gives the example of 'flat feet' as something that is likely to make running without shoes problematic. Maybe people with high arches (like me) would have a different injury rate than people with low arches (like him). Again, it's easy enough to work that out statistically, once you have the data.

[@Arthur_CNW]

My girlfriend, who is a podiatrist, is absolutely infuriated with the damn misinformed circles of that field. It's just one doctor repeating the word of another doctor, who is repeating the word of another doctor who him/herself learned it from an old book back when they were studying in the 60's. So many of the issues for which podiatrists give special shoes, with custom molded soles etc, are plain and simply treatment of a symptom, instead of the cause, allowing for the issue to remain or gradually get worse - when the best solution in that case would have been to just ditch your shoes and start gradually rehabilitating your body to work the way it's meant to. My girlfriend has had numerous clients who had their entire lives changed in 6 months of little changes here and there... after 20 years of going to the doctors and all of their issues just slowly getting worse. When she was studying, they never taught a single thing about walking/running barefoot, or any of the cons/pros related to it. Not once, in the whole 4 years. And when she questioned her teachers about it, their either angrily dismissed it, without any explanation, or just simply admitted that they don't really know. The fact is, the podiatric circles have barely any real data on barefoot movement, and most of them are so set in old beliefs, that they will flat out deny everything without doing any research outside of what they have been taught.

[@tegamingother]

Podiatrist probably know well among human entomology but never in his career would he acknowledge that running barefoot would solve most of peoples problems. His job is only to prescribe foot solutions that are commercialized or whatever brand is neccessary and fits the person's foot problem. He knows he just dorsnt want to say it!

[@BM-ef2ph]

That doctor who said he has a flat foot and he doesn't think he can do it, its ridiculous! I'm flat footed and it doesn't hurt me. It hurts him because he doesn't have the strength in his foot because he hasn't ran that way. Like any new exercise you're not going to go all out. You have to gradually increase the resistance.

[@kekalot]

+Brian Mayorga agreed, I had been flat footed all my life too and at young age was told that I would have troubles walking if I didn't wear their stupid expensive shoes with special soles made for me.. been walking and running barefoot for over 7 years now and "magically" I am not flat footed anymore Podiatrists will never agree to going barefoot because their job is based on people getting shoes injuries and giving them "support" which is weakening feet to get more clients.

[@jwenting]

plus if he started hiking barefoot for a few months before running his flat feet would revert to their normal, natural, form and strength, especially if he ditched his shoes altogether (or as much as practical). But he can't see that because his very training and sponsors all tell him that the only solution for any foot condition is more and more expensive footwear from specialty companies.

[@frankromeo3351]

Me too. In fact, I have flat feet and barefoot (or actually, with minimalist shoes) is the ONLY way I can run. I've tried so many types of running shoes, and running in them hurts everything from my ankles up to my lower back. I can only run barefoot or with minimalist shoes.

[@Azola69]

to correct your flat feet, you need to wear postural insoles (not orthotics) posturepro.co/flat-feet-solution/

[@jacethekingslayer]

I agree with everything else being said it, but it's definitely not as simple as "hiking barefoot for a few months"--I have hiked and walked barefoot relatively consistently for all of my life and it has never improved my collapsed arch/flat-footedness. While I do believe that it's possible to strengthen the arch and move away from flat-footedness, I think it's gonna take more that merely walking/hiking barefoot. I'm definitely going to try barefoot running, though.

[@demetricklouis5710]

I adamantly stand by barefoot running. For one, time bares out the fact that humans were running long before shoes were invented. My second point in a little more long winded. I am a U.S. Army veteran. On an APFT, running was my weakness. When I left the service I was rated 40% disabled for back pain. Then I met a neighbor wearing those funky Vibram toed shoes. I'd tried Nike and Asics, and the VA docs were saying that I had to do something to get my health in check. After the military I balloned to 260lbs, mind you I'm only 5'7" but at this point on the down slope. So I gave the wierd foot gloves a try. My first run had me sore for a week. I ran a mile on the balls of my feet. My calves were screaming. The next time I decided to let my feet fall where they may. Suprisingly I completed a two mile course. While running on an indoor track a another runner recommended Born To Run. I read the book in two days. I was shocked at how much myself and the author had in common. He had already discoved what I was only just now finding out. It was the shoes that were the problem. All that support wasn't helping me, it was litteraly hurting me. I still wear shoes from time to time, but they are either Vibrams Five Finger or Nueva skin shoes. Now people are telling me that I run very fast and they couldn't keep up with me! If no one else supports Christopher McDougall I will be his staunchest proponent.

[@Dee-ye2dk]

+Demetrick Louis I cringed when you mentioned APFT. Anytime i run I ended up getting extreme shin pain which lead to my discharge. I agree with you

[@jiggy3397]

+Dom W start at a slow pace and work your distance up. Once you feel inshape and you don't get sore after every run (should take about 3-5 weeks) then you can work on speed or run at a faster pace

[@Atkrdu]

What are these Nueva skin shoes? I couldn't find them.

[@demetricklouis5710]

www.juzdeals.com/sg/d/969601/nueve-zipperbag-ofelia-skin-shoes.html

[@shameliathomas4829]

+Dom W I started using Vibram shoes in 2013 and the one thing I love most about them is that I do not get shin splints when every regular sneaker i tried had me in pain. I also use them for hiking. Disclaimer: I'm not a pro runner just an ordinary person who has a love hate relationship with running.

[@Nithralas]

4:10 he says he has flat foot and that will rip his knee out of his socket. Total bs to me.. I myself had very flat feet and within months my posture and the way I held my foot really improved. No flat feet anymore.

[@sodapop8]

Your experience isn't everyone's experience and I'm pretty sure that was the real point he was making.

[@Nitrokaskade]

I've been doing Sports for the last 10 years, running for four years. Severe flat foot. Barefootrunning gave me in my case severe posterior tibialis tendonitis. I'm gonna make it work eventually, but I doesn't come natural.

[@colbyjeromemorris6949]

Half those people are running on their heels. Brah come on now

[@uwotm8]

Nick F the slow mo running at 5:29, that guys landing form was all over the place. Right foot was midfoot strike, left foot was heel strike then right foot was forefoot. Probably a first timer trying to get a gauge of running barfoot and changing his striking from what he was used to in shoes to what felt comfortable without.

[@StrongSideGames]

5:00 did he really try compare walking mechanics to running? lol

[@purpleanex]

Yes, perfect demonstration why qualifications do not match intelligence.

[@mrridikilis]

+StrongSide Exactly!

[@colt2729]

Ya, and the knee joint is not a socket type joint. That podiatrist is incompetent.

[@geoffmcarthy7314]

its the same ... you run the same way you walk ... if you walk wrong you run wrong

[@tensaantares]

Usually, a person walks before running. You and purplenurple talk like it's two completely different things, like a handstand being compared to a pull-up. Walking and running both have similar motions or mechanics, one more so than the other. But, yeah sure ok, something about qualifications not matching intelligence, not that anyone here would know what intelligence is.

[@JAB-wq5wd]

I grew up in Jamaica where for us it was normal to run barefooted. Running on sand barefooted also helps competitive runners.

[@thatdutchguy420]

maybe thats why yall dominate well other than the fact you have west african dna

[@cannonieh4469]

@@thatdutchguy420 absolutely. As well as Kenyan runners

[@buddhamack1491]

The Tarahumara people wear a minimalist sandal to protect from puncture wounds though. Believe me even landing on a pointy stone in Vibram 5 fingers hurts. But minimalist, zero drop shoes have cured my compartment syndrome and plantar facia issues. Even walking barefoot/ minimalist shoes helps to strengthen the feet and helped fix my issues. I was in the Army and forced to run...but they never teach you how to run, no one does.

[@dcar144000]

Man, I really, really like your videos! I’ve committed to learning minimalist running. Very inspiring!

[@Demon09-_-]

Just don't do to much to fast like suggested. Add some foot exercises outside of just your minimalist runs etc and don't try and go to far at thestart

[@andreidinei]

I have flat foot. All my problems vanished when I started training barefoot or using xeroshoes sandals. I'm just one case, but it worked! =)

[@dsouldnb]

You're not alone! +1

[@wearytraveler3210]

I ran two miles, I've always had low mileage because of pain in my shins. But for the first time in my life I ran two miles with no pain in my shins whatsoever. in addition to that, my calves were actually sore. That never happens to me.

[@simonvance8054]

I’m learning that my calves are sore because I’m only just learning to use them…instead of of relying on cushy padded heels…

[@lucvandriel2408]

i noticed that i cant run well on running shoes, but when running barefoot i run a lot faster and a much longer distance. it just feels better xD.

[@MrSulastomo]

Maybe you should try another shoes

[@lucvandriel2408]

i did xD, bought cheap 10 euro shoes and now i dont have pain and dont exhaust as fast as before xD.

[@theory816]

As a top tier researcher on exercise, I disagree that we are born to run. The key is, "we can run". its not an absolute thing you must do.

[@simonvance8054]

I’ll tell you my results after decades of listening to podiatrists then reading Born to run: The traditional podiatrist advice and cushy expensive running shoes did absolutely nothing to help me getting shin splints, they just masked the root cause of the problem. On the other hand reading Born to run has done far more for me because I realised the cause was bad form and too MUCH cushioning which masked bad form and made me lazy. Vibram five fingers and Luna sandals are the best things I’ve ever ran in because they make you learn proper form and are unforgiving if you don’t. I’m having to relearn everything including as ridiculous as it sounds, learning to walk again - properly. Cannot emphasise enough what reading Born to run has done for me. Now everything makes sense.

[@lucu01]

western perspective, forgotten to walk and run in bare feet, concrete and tar everywhere whereas in asia, africa and south america it's pretty natural especially on dirt trail

[@usman5140]

I was obnoxiously prone to shin splints and even had a stress fracture with normal running shoes. I went to an Asics store to have a gait analysis and was recommended a shoe with an inch and a half of extra padding after being told my feet were flat...I thought it was unnatural for someone who's 6'4" and 165-170 pounds to be so prone to leg injuries from running,that was for 3 years since I started running regularly. My brother was telling me about these shoes called vibram five fingers and I had to buy a pair. Since I started wearing them, I've never had shin splints once and can run 5 miles twice a day if I wanted too. These shoes last a long time as well, my last pair lasted 2 years with heavy use and I only replaced them because, they were ripped from machine washing them. I bet full barefoot would work the same, but roads are rough and its also nice to have minimal protection from the elements. Sometimes I wear traditional running shoes if I'm coming from a place where toe shoes would be out of place(example, after work) and my form adjustments from (the Vibrams) allow me to run in them injury free!

[@salty_pete_]

usman look into the merrell vapor gloves for barefoot closed toe

[@D-rock44]

+usman Asics store is not qualified to give you a gait analysis

[@usman5140]

Derek Anselmo Most people who've seen my feet tell me I'm flat footed. Asics store gait analysis or not, I've tried so many variations of running shoes with no positive results. A few years of telling myself my feet need to acclimate to the pavement and painful shins. Like I said, the Vibrams corrected my form and I can now run as much as I want pain free.I spent most of this summer cycling and decided to incorporate running again into my schedule. 3 months of the pavement and I was able to run 4.5 miles pain free.

[@klaranissan3626]

Same my shins were always bad until i got vibrams, now there's no pain at all

[@usman5140]

***** It is all about improving your form(which the vibrates helped me do).I still prefer Vibram's to traditional shoes due to them being very light weight. I haven't been running recently due to my new obsession road cycling,lol...Cross training has definitely helped my running speed and endurance!

[@lenesu86]

As soon as you get off the shoe the podiatrist will lose his job.

[@garymanning8920]

Mihail Sirbu ....no somebody will still have ingrown toenails broken feet broken toes fallen arches fungus athletes feet heel spur bone spur etc....

[@Deputydelhon]

Amputations, open reduction and internal fixation, arch reconstruction, webbed feet separation, etc.

[@sebastianm.6669]

Mihail Sirbu yeah, not EVERYONE would be fine but the vast majority. I understand your corrections though, professors.

[@Skb64_]

Since I was 17, I had horrible shin splints. I'm pretty sure I almost got a stress fracture. I had back pain and this weird feeling in my knees. I kept getting told "You need more cushioning, you need more arch support." That never got rid of my problem. I kept going weeks without running and heavy squatting for the shin and back pain to go away, but as soon as I did it again, it would just immediately flare back up. It was so frustrating and it really killed my motivation to workout. 3 months ago, when I was searching how to get rid of shin splints for the 50th goddamn time, I was told about getting "minimalist shoes." People say it changes their life and gets rid of all their pain. I figured I'd give it a shot. So I got them, strengthened my feet up, went for short runs to get used to it, and now I'm absolutely pain free. I no longer have shin splints, or back pain. I ran my first 10k yesterday, and I feel incredible. I will never switch back to my old shoes. I'm thinking about selling them. We really are born to run. It's how we evolved as a species. The problem is that we wear these foot-weakening shoes in our youth, so we lose that skill that we were born with. Now, I don't think there's such thing as a "runner's build." We were all built for running.

[@simonvance8054]

That’s awesome. I’m learning to run…even walk again properly after decades of shin pain ironically from padded shoes… Luna sandals are the best things I’ve ever used…they take some getting used to as you can’t even walk in them with bad form, heel striking etc…so I’m literally learning to walk again… Born to run has completely changed the way I think about everything…it’s amazing what he’s done writing that…

[@ricardopineda8224]

I have run by 15 years without injuries. I always run with shooes, never barefoot, ok just in the beach. The running biomechanic is very important to be free of injuries. If you use your hell to land in the floor probably you will overcharge your knee and joints. You must land first on the floor with the base of tooes like if you were running barfoot. This is better for your knee and you will run fast. Injuries come always from overtraining, we must learn to listen the body. The pain is an advice of overtraining.....I love run.

[@wlsbassandy18]

+Ricardo Pineda What if I'm jewish? (don't have a hell?)

[@ricardopineda8224]

+Andrea Gonzalez (Alien) Jaaaa thank you Heel is the word.

[@Subtlenimbus]

I love lamp

[@erikaglenn2844]

Cool video! I wish they addressed more of the "too much too soon" problem with barefoot running and elaborated on the injuries the podiatrist saw. It seems that the only things I hear about barefoot running are people that overdo it from the start, get injured and hate it, and people that ease into it, and love it. I've never heard from anyone who invested the time to invest in barefoot running and decided it wasn't for them. Has anyone else? Just curious.

[@ceeb40]

Training proper posture and strengthening these positions are the key. Well done Matt, I hope others read your comment and start to understand that muscle imbalances, weakness, mobility issues and instability are the root of most pain and functional issues. Address those issues and you will be amazed at the difference.

[@kirbsmeister2]

For years I had persistent knee pain during and after running, to the point where I gave it up for a year. Just recently I tried to get back into it with good form. Still knee pain. So I did some hip exercises and tried going on the treadmill without shoes (i've been practising forefoot strike for some time). What a difference! Your calves will ache for a while, but based on my own anecdotal evidence I urge anybody who suffers pain to give barefoot (or minimalist shoes) a chance.

[@HerbaSquad]

I FELL IN LOVE WITH BAREFOOT RUNNING ON A BEACH OVER YEAR AGO!! And after that I started running in the city as well (although beach barefoot is still my fave!!), by the way before that I never run...

[@Maarten258]

I heard this story from an old lady in my running group and I thought she was crazy first but now I really got interested in it. I'm gonna start running on grass for 10 minutes tomorrow, see what it does. This is so exciting because I've never done it before.

[@PowerLocsTV]

Came across this video and your comment 10 years later. So, how did the run on grass go?

[@Maarten258]

@@PowerLocsTV Hi. I still run and march a lot. (I'm in the military with the reserve) I have experimented with barefoot shoes. I think it is a waste of money. Your feet are not as protected and it is bad for the joints. I think the advantages you get from going barefeet can be achieved with changing form a bit. You should buy good shoes that gives lots of support. Get everything as "springy" as possible. Don't land on your heels, land flat on your feet. (more springy) Don't extend your legs all the way (focus on leg muscles, not knees) It puts more wear on the muscles but very little to the joints. Muscles develop and heal very easily. You get beautiful muscly feet and legs. Never run with musclepain (rest and healing is important) or longer than an hour (breaks muscle down) Another tip is to try to feel as if you are pushing you body forward when taking steps and to lean a bit forward. Have a good one!

[@jezlynxacat451]

OMG!! I needed to hear this. I have been wanting to just run w/o shoes because I cant find any. I am flat footed and none seem to help me while I run. I will slowly try this by starting a slow walk and intervals of running this week.

[@cliffordwilliams473]

Loved the debate! Loved the layout of this video!

[@mrnothingbettertodo]

The guy in the lab coat sounds like Mort Goldman from Family Guy.

[@darkfoxbill9657]

Just think of your leg like that of any other animal. The toes and ball of the foot (forefoot) are the pawpads and the 'heel' is just under the first joint up the leg. The only time that 'heel' touches the ground is when they sit.

[@baseket2ball12]

Getting rid of shoes completely is absolutely more effective than "teaching" people how to run correctly. You shouldn't have to learn running form; when you take off your shoes and run on a hard surface, the body mostly teaches itself. This process is so INCREDIBLY more effective than doing endless form drills while wearing big puffy shoes.

[@cityhawk]

What people have to understand is that by switching from shoes to barefoot isn't going to cure your ailment or the be all end all solution to your problems. The key to injury-free running has to do with working on your core. When you look for quick fixes such as compression wear or barefoot running is switching one problem for another, without ever treating the ailment, especially when it's a lower body problem. If you work on your core doing workouts such as planks and side planks, you should be able to see those problems subside. Barefoot running doesn't make up for a weak core.

[@bonkzilla]

I grew up sprinting and always ran on the front of my foot. I never thought I could run distance because whenever using heel strike I ended up with a variety of pain and discomfort in my feet, ankles, knees, legs, hips, back and neck over short distances (

[@danielgarrison7208]

I started with running BAREFOOT, and I honestly despise shoes, and barefoot running is just easier, once you are acclimated. The thing was for me, I never acclimated to running shoes.

[@Marmocet]

You can run for miles and miles barefoot or in really minimalist shoes over asphalt and concrete without a problem. I do it on a daily basis (just did 7 miles last night, actually). Thing is, if you've been wearing structured shoes since you were 6 years old, you aren't going to be able to pull this off right away. It took me about 18 months to get all the little unused muscles in my feet, ankles and lower legs coordinated and strong enough and to get me to this point. It's totally worth it.

[@so.many.obstacles]

Thank you for sharing that. I also have flat feet and have been put in stability running shoes for a couple of years now. I believe that is what has caused this injury that I have been dealing with for awhile. I have since started transitioning into minimalist shoes (currently Vibrams), and will be buying so huaraches as well. I can say that everything is starting to get better for me. How long did it take you to fully transition?

[@Just_Call_Me_Tim]

"I, myself, have a flat foot..." as do many people who don't run with overly-supportive shoes. Try it, fella, nice and slow and you'll find you're building your arch strength. It happened to me, Mr Excuses.

[@DanielFlood94]

To be fair it's not the shoe its the form of the runners that these high heeled shoes have encouraged, I use a 4mm drop shoe and land on the middle of my foot and have never had a running related injury. Heel striking the killer in all of this.

[@DanielFlood94]

***** I'm not denying that at all. Its more a education thing too I was actually taught how to run in school by the age of 7. So shoes rarely make a difference provided you know how to run. If you dont and you stick on a pair of GT2000s you'll be heel striking till the cows come home

[@jiggy3397]

+Daniel Flood Injurys don't come just from form. You can put on too much miles too fast also

[@motorbikeray]

(5:38) The "Urban Caveman" perfectly stated the biggest mistake most people make when switching to minimalist shoes.

[@bonkzilla]

It took me a few months of morning & night daily running to develop decent calluses. The first few weeks involved a lot of blisters, blood and torn skin from running on rough ashphalt but once the skin toughens up on your feet and toes it is pretty smooth sailing. My feet still protest over any significant running on gravel so I still use shoes when I know there are sections of sharp or rough terrain that is likely to pulverise them

[@LucidDreamer54321]

I have been running barefoot (no shoes) for more than 50 years (since I was a young child). I didn't know I was a pioneer, I just thought I didn't like wearing shoes. I even ran barefoot in the military when we did our annual physical fitness test. It was the only time I could get away with being barefoot while on duty. : - )

[@anthonyman8008]

He would rip his knee out of socket running barefoot? Did he really say that. He's got to do better than that, a lot better!

[@InfoDav]

Yup. His credibility >>>>>> the drain

[@dsouldnb]

Running barefoot style for 3 years... still have my knee inside the socket lol.

[@numbzinger350]

Apparently he's got a narrow sighted education and knows little about the rest of the body.

[@alenbrand]

Thanks ! Its a great debate. Barefoot running its off in media now 2018 , but still a great solution for injured runners to achieve a new model of good running.

[@hereinoklahoma]

I read the book and tried barefoot/minimal shoes for a couple months, it always resulted in so much ankle pain I could not continue beyond 2 miles. Perhaps b/c I have had multiple sprained ankles over the years, perhaps because of my slurry of genetics. Either way I went back to wearing my stability running shoes b/c I want to be able to run half and full marathons w/o major pain.

[@mrmurda]

Flat feet are not a fatality, they are very easy to fix by easy exercises for hips and ankle mobility

[@benmitchell0036]

What are some exercises I can do?

[@stevieg771]

i have flat feet and I run barefoot just fine.

[@geeksquad2]

Keep it up and you'll start building some arches too.

[@TheRealNosferatu]

What about running with zero drop, wide toe box shoes (such as Altra’s) and forefoot striking? It seems like the main problems are: - tendency to heelstrike -narrow toebox which reduces stability - weak feet I walk around in Vivo barefoot right now, but wonder if you can get the impact-reduction benefits of the cushion when running on hard surfaces, while also solving all of the reasons for the injuries in the first place.

[@HooxNZ]

when I bought some thin soled casual shoes, I found that for walking they were just ok for heel striking, when I tried running with heel strike I found that it hurt and then just naturally started running with front foot...was so comfortable and springy. I don't run at all, I hate it (I bike), but my running shoes are too padded on the heel to get any form of rhythm

[@x9z6x]

This is just my experience. After reading this book in 2012 I decided to buy vibram 5 fingers and begin running with a forefoot strike. After a while I ended up with really bad patellar tendinosis on both knees which I still have. Please be careful everyone, having this knee problem has made my life so much worse I hope it doesn't happen to anyone else.

[@motorbikeray]

The question I have is "how long did you take to transition to running in Vibram 5 fingers with a forefoot strike"? (5:38) The "Urban Caveman" perfectly stated the biggest mistake most people make when switching to minimalist shoes.

[@johncassvision1]

Vibram Five fingers caused me serious injury. Allow yourself to heal, then go back to barefoot. Critically, avoid concrete and roads at all costs. I find flat soft sand, bush trails and grass provide best results

[@SonicDeeHedgehog]

if I ran barefoot I'd probably step on a broken glass bottle. No thank you.

[@robm321]

Try running with your eyes open. Problem solved.

[@TheZettaze]

You wouldnt step in glass with regular shoes either, you'd avoid it. You'll be surprised how much you see when you run barefoot. You're suppose to look where you're going anyway, otherwise you'd trip wouldnt you?

[@tatebarnum731]

just get those toe shoes,

[@johnhippisley9106]

Rob Maple i dont stare at the ground when im running

[@christophergeier9929]

You forgot to use your eyes, didn't you? It's okay, me too :)

[@kevinabate6056]

I've been training with worn out shoes that were designed for working in food service. They're worn almost completely through now though, so while they give some support and protect against cuts from glass and burns from asphalt, they're still almost completely worn through so it very closely approximates the impact of running barefoot. I, too, had the experience of really ripping out my knee trying 50 km distance, but after a month of regularly training 10-15km running sessions, the knee is no longer the bottle neck and my recovery time has been reduced from about two weeks, without training beyond power walking, to about three days. My pace is still officially slow as hell.

[@j69d]

- Final continuation - now i'm running again, between 4- 8miles each day and i feel i've actually got my life back, something i've always loved doing since i was a young lad..so if ANYBODY(and i mean anybody)is looking to get a good pair of running footwear,or just Gym footwear i would HIGHLY recommend a pair of Vibram 5 fingers! Price vairys from £55 upwards, but it's definitely worth taking a look at if you're serious about maintaining a good healthy fitness rasheme... no set backs at all!

[@TheRoguesy2]

Tribes did not run barefoot accept African tribes in the Savannah on terrain that is not very rocky, its soft sand, dirt and mud and grass. Native Americans didn't run Barefoot. They wore sandals or moccasins. Even modern indian tribes in Mexico or Ethiopia, wear foot cover like a sandal. Also, being bushman, they have gained thick leather like calluses on their feet, and changes in the bone density and cartilage on for protection. Think of the differences in hands between a regular person, and a person who has trained in Kung Fu or Martial Arts that has trained by punching iron plate, or hot flaming sand. The had has changed and thickened.Modern man does not have this. We have soft feet that has spent their entire lives in shoes with insoles, that are washed regularly and scrubbed with stones and what not. To think that a regular Yuppie from Manhattan should just go out one day and start running barefoot is totally insane and is a guaranteed way to damage your foot. Indigineous peoples feet have been conditioned for 10 or 20 years to handle running bare foot, modern developed world metropolitan humans have not. Just like a guy off the street cannot punch and break brick with their hands when a trained martial artist with years and years of hand conditioning can.

[@JFKorber]

read the book , no one suggests that

[@triplemmagic6406]

*except

[@shivabest2469]

The fact that that is the state of the average modern foot doesn't mean that's how it should be, and advocating that we should give up on natural running because we've de-conditioned our feet since childhood doesn't mean we should give up on the idea for further generations. Also, the tribes you mention have had foot-coverings in recent human history, and run in them for comfort, but they have moccasins and sandals do not have heel cushioning, arch support, or "motion control." These are fads that have only existed for 30-40 years, and say nothing about the evolution of the human foot. Finally, all the advantages that tribal people you described have over modern runners can be reversed, and we can remember to teach our children to run naturally, nullifying your argument in one generation.

[@JFKorber]

Also, short of running with no shoe's on at all, we can begin to reconsider wearing overstuffed shoes that change our natural gait, causing us to land on our heels instead of mid and fore foot and continue to allow the muscles in our feet to atrophy. Don't lose your shoes completely, but begin to wear less shoe

[@treokwalker3470]

Regardless of whether someone wears a sandal, what is meant by barefoot style running is that we are to run landing on the balls of our feet, not the heal. Landing on the heal is what causes damage to the body. You don't seem to understand this basic concept. I was never a runner, but always liked sprinting, which I did with out knowing, barefoot style. After reading born to run, I immediately started running, and have for 5 years with no problems. I have flat feet, I don't strecth before or after and am 50 years old. Anyone recommending normal shoes is out of touch with nature.

[@JaySee5]

All these people against barefoot running are against common sense. The people who have been injured barefoot running are also against common sense. If you have injuries, weaknesses, or are overweight, common sense dictates DO NOT RUN! Running is a total body exercise. If there is something wrong with your body, you will just exacerbate it. Fix your body, get in shape, THEN run. You are trying to do a movement and exercise you haven't done since you were a baby that never wore shoes. The muscles you need to use to run barefoot have been sitting idle most of your life and the major muscles you have been using are over/underdeveloped. Basically your body is an utter complete mess. Fix your body with exercises and balance it properly before trying to a complex movement such as running. Jog 5 minutes barefoot your first day. The next day you will feel pain GUARANTEED! These are all the things wrong with your body. Go fix them for a month or so, then jog another 5 minutes and find what else is wrong. Once you can go more than 5 minutes, go 10 and fix what else is wrong, etc.

[@thunderwingisaiah403]

My friend, Tom Brown, Jr. (The Tracker), was teaching "natural/indigenous" style running and movement in 1983, when I met him. His students were loosening their laces so their foot could contribute to their balance and adjust to uneven terrain. We were looking for shoes that were as close to a moccasin as possible. I'm so excited about the minimalist movement, now because it's resulting in the shoes I've been looking for. I used to run in wrestling shoes loosely laced. Not bad.

[@RayBingrunshard]

I second this. You become so much faster it's remarkable. It's almost like flying.

[@billyrowe0064]

Wow... for a book on running (absolutely slim topic), it sure does have great reviews! 4.5 stars out of 2,176 customer reviews.

[@SacreDro]

All books that talk about barefoot running are in theier own way good.

[@Ensource]

many reviews do not prove a point. easy example: buy electric toothbrush. after one week write a review that you like how it works. 2 months later it loses battery life capacity. your first review stays and you dont return to write another.

[@Nation010]

I've been using my Vibrams to run, walk etc for nigh on 4yrs n i researched them thoroughly before purchase, but one simple observation convinced me despite all i've read about barefoot running etc. Watch a 1yr old baby walk then try if u can watch as many 1 year olds walk n play run and that will give an answer to how the humans are meant to walk n run, the toe tend to have wider spacing N gait N all walk on the palm of their feet, So running like this means i NEVER have any issues with my ankles, knees, hips back after running for 2hrs or 16mi every Sunday on mixed terrain sand or concrete in Hyde pk, Green pk St James pk, but once has to start barefeet running slowly so memory comes back to the feet.

[@dustinedwards7821]

I didn't give a crap about studies and arguments, I just tried Vibrams. They worked, my knees felt better and better after spending time in them. Now I basically only buy minimalist shoes, they're the other thing that makes my knees work properly and eliminates my shin splints completely.

[@austinado16]

Dustin Edwards +1 I purchased FiveFingers 2-1/2yrs ago and ran 27mi in the first week with them. Prior to that, I hadn't run in about 10yrs due to knee injuries while wearing expensive, traditional running/training shoes from the top manufacturers. I couldn't run more than about a mile before the burning in my knees would get so bad I'd have to walk home. The Vibrams force the correct stride by completely eliminating the choice to still run with a heel strike....just like barefoot running does. This past summer I backpacked across the Grand Canyon in a pair of FiveFingers, carrying a 45lb pack. I've done this rim-2-rim crossing 2 previous times, and always in a full-blown all leather Asolo hiking boot. The trip was so much easier and so much better in the FiveFingers.....and so much less pain at the end of each day, and the next morning. Amazing. My teen daughter trains and races cross-country in her FF's and she's the only girl on the team not injured. All rest of the team clank along on their heels in thick, traditional trainers. Cured my wife's plantar fasciitis with FF's, after her podiatrist said no, and tried to sell her more boots and cortizone shots. In 2 weeks, she was back to normal. I do have some slightly more protective minimalist trail shoes for more rocky type running conditions, but my FF's are my go-to's for normal running, as well as just wearing them around as "sneakers."

[@aMulliganStew]

Right now I'm dropping pounds, building core, and doing stretches in eager anticipation of returning to running. I fully intend to ease into it as gently and intelligently as I can. I will take whatever time is necessary to let my feet, leg and other muscles develop. I will soak up all the form and style coaching I can find / afford. Because you see, if a barefoot running style is the answer, if it brings me back to 10 to 20 miles a week, then I will very literally shed tears of joy. 4:48 I so hope to "run like the wind" again.

[@Drunkenst3v3]

Here's a novel idea, you can still wear shoes and run toe heel. My cross country coach in High School ran that way while wearing shoes because we routinely ran in areas where bear feet would get cut or bruised up, which would prevent you from being able to run. But I have run both ways and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. When I run toe to heel my shin muscles(Tibialis I think they are called) get really sore, maybe I need more practice running that way, but I will switch back and forth. I don't get this all or nothing attitude, do what feels good for you, it's your body, you know it better than anyone.

[@abhishekgupta851]

A foot doctor with flat feet talking about running techniques.

[@dreyataylor8709]

Abhishek Gupta often, genetics inspire people to specialize in certain fields. That doesn’t mean they’re less of an expert.

[@Poemwriter_Angelo]

enough reasons to not run barefoot. 1) its weird/awkward 2) we run on hard concrete and not on sand which is soft like cushoning. 3) you will get cold feet in winter 4) you burn your feet in summer 5) you step into nasty things. shit, dirt, glass. 6) you probably end up in a situation you need shoes for.

[@user-uh1xh4dq3q]

So that's why I have started becoming injuries when I switsched to running shoes.. Before that I had shoes only with minimal cushioning. I'm getting them now from my closet.

[@psimxc]

oh man, when i was young my grandpa love to talk about the tauraumaras. he would tell me crazy stories that just sound inhuman, when i met them in person i notice these people are so much closer to being a true human. they run and hunt for days non stop. amazing.

[@filoIII]

As soon as professional runners start barefooting it during their 150mi weeks, then I will.

[@Loppy2345]

I hate this barefoot vs running shoe debate. Barefoot running should be treated as a technical exercise to improve running technique. Learn the correct running technique going barefoot, then apply to running with shoes. It's difficult to believe why so many people struggle to understand this concept. People who say that going barefoot has cured their problems is because they never learnt to run properly.

[@todd92371]

Man, you nailed it. I started out running barefoot in grass to learn proper form. And then I've tried to translate that into a zero drop shoe with some cushion. But, I try to run a little bit each day barefoot in grass. I think it's a tool to help form. I have to admit that I will run for long distances barefoot if the surface is sand or soft dirt and grass. But, on the pavement.... it's shoes.

[@joshjohnston7388]

But if we don't purposely misunderstand, how can we argue and declare who is right and a smart and who is a moron? Just tell me who I'm supposed to feel smugly superior to and be done with it!

[@mackenzieusher8025]

Running shoes have a raised heel, which makes it different from running barefoot. Furthermore, running barefoot is enjoyable for many. Just let people run how they want to run.

[@Subtlenimbus]

Says they hate this debate...by taking part in the debate.

[@Ray620127]

I agree - barefoot running should be treated as a technical excercise, it doesn't necessarily mean we have to hang up those shoes for good and run barefoot all the time. Treat barefoot running as a specific form of training to activate and strengthen muscle groups, and reap the benefits of stronger feet and legs when running in shoes! Just like how speed drills and strides improve our form, but we can't expect to run at that speed all the time. Instead, we reap the neuro-muscular benefits of improved cadence and stride even in our slower running

[@sisvy]

I read this book when I came back from Mexico and hearing about the Tarahumara, running after a deer to catch it and doing it barefoot.. I was so stoked I started running barefoot AND training for my first marathon.. two months later I got gnarly plantar faciitis and could barely walk each morning.. too much too soon... I found pose, midfoot strike and "minimalist" no knee pain... great book! find whats right for you! happy running!

[@ropersix]

I did a little bit of barefoot running after reading the book. The main reason I stopped is, out on the streets/sidewalks at least, it seems to me a lot of bad stuff will leach in through your skin. Probably a lot of carcinogens. This potential issue actually dawned on me while running barefoot on a brand new College track. The new plastic smell of it was overwhelming enough, but there's no way it's healthy to have whatever all that stuff is seep into your body via your feet.

[@ruzzellcrowe7166]

I love how the Podiatrist wants to hold onto his trained dogma about keeping shoes because he has flat feet, poor feet muscles, etc... Well guess what, you start slowly and build those muscle up before you go head-fast into running on the balls of your feet and barefoot running.

[@macspud28]

+Ruzzell Crowe Most podiatrists are just orthotics salesmen.

[@kekalot]

+macspud28 agreed.

[@christophergeier9929]

Also notice how his mind changes halfway through the film because he received actual scientific data, not facebook memes and other forms of pseudoscience

[@carritohmc]

Funny, I grew up in Dominican Republic running barefoot or in flip flops, had no clue about actual running shoes. Joined the army got some very expensive shoes and ended up hating running to the point I've stopped altogether and taken up other sports that cause me less injury (boxing believe it or not).

[@tfixmer]

I read the book with a pretty skeptical attitude. By the time I finished I thought it might be worth experimenting and playing with barefoot running just to see how it went. I've run this way for over a year now and barefoot running is now definitely my preference. I'll agree it's not for everybody, but there is no harm in experimenting with it and giving it a shot. What started off as something fun and different has proven quite rewarding for me.

[@marshallfarrier4732]

"The only controversy comes from podiatrists". Short version of my experience: Having not run for a long time, I was plagued by injuries running barefoot, then (after 2 years of trying again and again) switched back to conventional running shoes and have been running by and large injury free. I was really determined to make this work, as I have a neuroma (swollen nerve caused by shoes that don't fit properly) that Vibrams completely resolved. I tried to build up slowly but kept noticing some strain in small calf muscles that hadn't been used since childhood. Finally I got up to wearing the Vibrams whenever I needed footwear. The attempted transition to barefoot running, however, just didn't work. I have some pronation fwiw. And I tried repeatedly to get some kind of regular program going with the Vibrams. It just didn't work. I'd go for a few weeks, then have a painful muscle strain in my calves that would put me back to square 1. This all by just trying to build up to going 2 miles at a 10-11 minute per mile pace. Finally, I gave up on the Vibrams, got conventional shoes that fit and SuperFeet. And now I'm running regularly up to 6 miles. I think the Vibrams can work if you're young and/or in good shape when you start. Certainly great if you do it from childhood on, so that you never get the atrophy in those small muscle groups. But I'm over 50 and hadn't run distances since my 20s, and it just didn't work. I do think the attempts made me more conscious of my running form and has helped me to get away from the heel strike in conventional shoes.

[@rosieespinozaruiz6939]

I stand by running barefoot because when I was in school we had to run on grass but I only have flats and I refuse to run with flat so I took off my flats and started running on the grass I never felt so much you're running which usually I hate because of my feet ache with running shoes and my feet just burn by the way I have flat feet and my feet don't hurt I can run Barefoot I don't know why this podiatrist said he can't run because of his flat feet that's b******* I run Barefoot and nothing has happened

[@cactuschat]

1) Love that all the barefoot runners are on the beach, on soft sand. 2) Folks not on a beach have asphalt, concrete, etc. Indigenous people dont deal with that. 3) Clothes don't allow our bodies to breathe like we were meant to breathe; we don't breathe like the naked Indigenous people in the world. Is that a problem also? 4) 6 years later we are back to a maximumist trend in shoes because the barefooters are hurt. When is the last time you saw a vibram shoe? Lol. Those were hideous and led to a lawsuit.

[@Darkclouds666.]

I.M. 138 Lmfaooo😂😂😂 a lawsuit ? Holy shit what happened

[@Darkclouds666.]

I.M. 138 Lmfaoo 😂😂 holy shit a lawsuit what happened

[@cactuschat]

Britt Man Not a lawsuit by me, it was a class action from customers that got injured wearing them. You can search for it, think it was in 2015. They settled out of court

[@christophergeier9929]

I love how you can't see past the obvious: they're probably getting practiced to do harder runs since again, the video said you have to work at it slowly. Learn to listen and your brain will happily fill in all of those "inconsistencies." For you, I recommend watching the video a few more times and I humbly invite you to think about it BEFORE posting a comment. Give it time and if it doesn't sink in, R.I.P. to those feet of yours! I'll bring daisies.

[@christophergeier9929]

Also if you knew how to do proper research, you'd see that those "lawsuits" were a bunch of people who were 1: untrained in medicine and 2. Barely had any time to actually get used to the shoes. So basically... more clueless people saying things that aren't true. If these shoes are so unreliable, why is their website still up and why are they now producing more products than ever? Get out of here with your crooked bird feet, nay sayer lol

[@thibod07]

Beautiful way to bring forward something that most people can do fairly easily. Children will naturally prefer running to walking as it is so much fun.

[@gohabsgo22296]

It probably took a couple months until I was fully comfortable barefoot. This included a slow transition period, with lots of simple walks without shoes. What I found took quite a lot of time was finding your preferred running style and stride. I've been barefoot for about a year and a half now, and I run, walk, and hike barefoot. Just keep at it, and don't be afraid to try different running styles. Don't take what one person says as the truth, everyone is different.